2006 CADILLAC STS-V 4.4L V8 6AT RWD (476 HP)

Vehicle Overview

When General Motors tried to create a fresh image for the Cadillac, it knew that it had to offer more performance for its premium brand, thus creating the V-spec versions such as the STS-V.

Introduced at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, the STS-V surprised the audience with its high-performance figures, contradicting the idea of a comfortable luxury sedan. Unfortunately, while the carmaker managed to stir the market with this model, its success was limited. Four years later, it had to pull the plug on it due to the slow sales caused by the world financial crisis.

But just adding more power under the hood wouldn’t convince too many people. Hence, the V-version of the STS received some additional aesthetic enhancements. At the front, the carmaker installed a chromed mesh grille above the bumper and used the same pattern for the lower air intake placed in the apron. Thus, it created a ground-hugging fascia. From its profile, the 18″ wheels at the front and 19″ wheels at the rear emphasized the car’s aggressiveness factor. Finally, at the back, a deck-lid spoiler warned bystanders that it was not grandpa’s car anymore.

Inside, the automaker returned to its traditional values and offered a leather-wrapped interior with bucket seats at the front with small side bolstering. At the back, the comfortable bench was carried over from the rest of the STS lineup. Interior decorations consisted of aluminum and wood trims, which created a fresh look for the vehicle. Yet, the instrument cluster was regular, with black dials, white lettering, and red needles. Not sporty at all!

Under the hood, Cadillac used a supercharged version of the 4.4-liter Northstar V8 engine from its parts bin. It paired it as standard with a six-speed automatic that allowed manual shifting gears in a sequential mode.